New UK arrivals are likely to be quarantined for 14 days - here's what to expect

It is expected that visitors to the UK will be asked to quarantine for 14 days at the end of the month (Getty Images)It is expected that visitors to the UK will be asked to quarantine for 14 days at the end of the month (Getty Images)
It is expected that visitors to the UK will be asked to quarantine for 14 days at the end of the month (Getty Images)

A two-week quarantine period is expected to be introduced for any new arrivals into the UK with only France and the Republic of Ireland exempt from the measures.

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Speaking at his last public address on 10 May, Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed that the two-week quarantine would soon come into force as lockdown restrictions were eased in England.

The measure is being introduced to prevent new infections from imported cases.

Mr Johnson said that the quarantine’s introduction would now be effective due to the reduced rate of transmission in the UK.

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When will quarantine measures be introduced?

Though he did not give a detailed description or time frame for prospective quarantine measures, Mr Johnson said that he was “serving notice” that the new rules would arrive soon.

UK airlines and airports have said that they expect the quarantine rules to be introduced at the end of May.

Industry body Airlines have asked that new measures be reviewed on a weekly basis as they would put a huge strain on the travel industry.

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How will the quarantine measures work?

No official guidance has been released yet, but it is expected that arrivals to the UK would be required to self-isolate at a private residence for 14 days.

The UK government has said that these measures would apply not just to those arriving by air travel, but by other means of transport such as ferry.

The 14-day quarantine period will apply to British citizens as well as foreign nationals.

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It is expected that those arriving from the Republic of Ireland and France will be exempt from the new rules, raising concerns that some may travel to the UK via France in order to forego the quarantine period.

A joint statement from the UK and French government said that “No quarantine measures would apply to travellers coming from France at this stage; any measures on either side would be taken in a concerted and reciprocal manner.

"A working group between the two governments will be set up to ensure this consultation throughout the coming weeks."

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The EU have warned that if such an exemption wasn’t extended to other European Union nations the UK could face costly lawsuits, according to the Telegraph.

Lorry drivers and other essential workers will also be exempt.

Am I required to wear a face mask while travelling? 

The UK and Scottish governments advise the use of face masks or coverings when in enclosed spaces, such as airports.

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Stansted and Manchester airports are among those who have told travellers to wear face masks and gloves while travelling.

Air France and several US airlines have already made the wearing of face masks compulsory.

Large scale temperature check facilities are also being trialled at London Heathrow airport.

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Is it safe to travel? 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that the quality of air on flights is carefully maintained and changed up to 30 times an hour.

If patients are sat in close vicinity however, there is a higher chance of coronavirus spreading.

Public Health England have advised passengers to sit as far apart from each other as possible in order to reduce the chance of catching the disease.

If unwell or exhibiting any of the key symptoms of Covid-19, passengers are advised against travelling.